************************************************************
The Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) has been awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture and Community for gathering young musicians from across Asia and promoting friendship and understanding through the common language of music.
The Artistic Director and Conductor of the AYO, Mr Richard Pontzious, represented the AYO to receive the Nikkei Asia Prize in Tokyo today (May 20).
The Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Sally Wong, congratulated the AYO on receiving the award.
Ms Wong said, "Every year, the AYO brings about 100 young musicians from all over Asia to Hong Kong, and it takes them to different parts of Asia, including Japan. Hong Kong provides the home base for the Orchestra on one hand, and acts as the gateway for the brilliant young artists to perform and gain exposure in other countries and territories on the other. It reflects the distinctive character of Hong Kong as Asia's world city and a 'super-connector'."
This year, the AYO is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It is scheduled to present its concerts in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei, Chiayi, Osaka and Tokyo in August.
The Nikkei Asia Prizes, which are awarded each year, are designed to recognise outstanding achievements that contribute to the region's sustainable development and to the creation of a better future for Asia.
Ends/Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:31
NNNN
